Fire detection is an integral portion of the fire management program. Traditionally, ground-based detection involved lookout towers and tree platforms, placed in key vantage positions, throughout the forests. More recently, aerial detection involving fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft have enhanced the capabilities of early detection, with the ability to cover vast areas in short periods of time.

Fire lookouts within the Burns Interagency Fire Zone have a long history of use and are still considered an important part of the detection system today. Lookouts rely on triangulation from other towers to pinpoint fire locations for rapid deployment of ground and air-based fire fighting equipment and resources. Additionally, they can plot locations of lightning strike activity and watch the area over a period of time for "sleepers" or hold over fires.

The public is welcome to visit the following lookouts but are urged to use caution at these remote sights.